Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Very Fine Adjustments

You've probably sent your flute in for an overhaul or COA and heard your repair tech talk about "adjustments." Adjustments are made to key mechanisms so that the keys work together properly. If the keys are not working together properly, you will definitely notice -- because you will not get the correct notes out!

Powell flutes have different adjustment features depending on the
model. Powell Signature flutes have adjustment screws. However, Powell Handmade Conservatory and Handmade Custom flutes do not have adjustment screws. In fact, it may be difficult to see, but the
Handmade Conservatory and Handmade Custom flutes have paper that is
affixed to the metal with shellac. Your Powell technician uses
extremely fine-grade sandpaper (1200) to make changes to the thickness
of the paper when s/he is adjusting the mechanism. Adjustment screws are definitely more common that
paper, because it takes less time to work with adjustment screws than it does to work with paper. However, paper is much more stable and allows the technician
to really "fine tune" the mechanism. If your flute has adjustment screws or adjustment papers, never fear -- your technician knows what to do to make sure your flute is in tip-top shape!

Handmade Conservatory and Custom Flutes use adjustment papers. You'll see a very small black paper just above the open hole key pad in this photo.

Signature Flutes use adjustment screws as you can see from the mechanism on the left.

Comparison of the different mechanisms. (Top of photo): mechanism with adjust paper. (Bottom of photo): mechanism with adjust screw.

2 comments:

I discovered the http://www.repairmyflute.com/ a few weeks ago and I'm really excited reading the articles.

I'm reading and practicing some flute repair in a student model. I faced one big problem related to TIGHT SCREWS:- * All screws that keep the pad in place are very tight. Is there any tip to solve this problem at home????

I'd like to thank you in advance.Please help me guys (ask Rachel Baker too)

I discovered the http://www.repairmyflute.com/ a few weeks ago and I'm really excited reading the articles.

I'm reading and practicing some flute repair in a student model. I faced one big problem related to TIGHT SCREWS:- * All screws that keep the pad in place are very tight. Is there any tip to solve this problem at home????

I'd like to thank you in advance.Please help me guys (ask Rachel Baker too)